Learning Disabilities and Poverty: Moving Towards a New Understanding of Learning Disabilities as A Public Health and Economic-Risk Issue

Authors

  • Glenn Young
  • Paul J. Gerber

Abstract

Learning disabilities traditionally have been viewed by those in the field as an educational issue, but it is important to view it in a broader context as a public health and economic-risk issue. At this time, it is reasonable to reframe learning disabilities as a disability that also affects poor and low income individuals. Recent national reports and the research literature have pointed out the relationship of learning disabilities and poverty in both children and adults. Attention to this issue is long overdue and needs to be acknowledged and addressed by the field of learning disabilities.

Issue

Section

Articles